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{{Short description|Government Organization}}
{{Short description|Government organization}}
{{Redirect|ICMR|Indigenous communal moral rights|Copyright law of Australia#Indigenous moral rights}}
{{Redirect|ICMR|Indigenous communal moral rights|Copyright law of Australia#Indigenous moral rights}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name                =
| name                = Indian Council of Medical Research  
| full_name          = Indian Council of Medical Research
| former_name        =
| image              = Indian Council of Medical Research Logo.svg
| logo                = Indian Council of Medical Research Logo.svg
| map                =  
| map                =  
| abbreviation        =  
| abbreviation        = [[ICMR]]
| motto              = {{lang|sa|परीक्ष्य कारिणो हि कुशला: भवन्ति}} {{small|([[Sanskrit]])}}
| predecessor        = [[Indian Research Fund Association]] (IRFA)
| predecessor        = Indian Research Fund Association
| formation          = {{start date and age|1911}} (as IRFA)
| formation          = * 1911 (as IRFA)
* 1949 Renamed as ICMR
| type                = Government Organisation
| type                = Government Organisation
| status              = Active
| status              = Active
| jurisdiction        =  
| jurisdiction        =  
| headquarters        = V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, P.O. Box No. 4911 Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110029
| headquarters        = New Delhi, India
| location            =  
| location            =  
| location_country    = {{Flag|India}}
| location_country    = {{Flag|India}}
| key_people          = [[Balram Bhargava]], <br> Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research <br>([[Secretary to the Government of India|Secretary, GoI]] - Department of Health Research)
| key_people          = [[Rajiv Bahl]], <br /> Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research <br />([[Secretary to the Government of India|Secretary, GoI]] – Department of Health Research)
| parent_organization = [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]]
| parent_organization = [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]], [[Government of India]]
| affiliations        =  
| affiliations        =  
| budget              = {{INRConvert|2358|c}} (2021–2022) <ref>https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe45.pdf</ref>|
| budget              = {{INRConvert|3900.69|c}} <small>(2025{{ndash}}26)</small><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Feb 2025 |title=DEMAND NO. 47, Demands for Grants, 2025-2026, MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE  |url=https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe47.pdf |access-date=1 Feb 2025 |website=IndiaBudget.gov.in |pages=5 |publication-place=[[New Delhi]]}}</ref>  
| website            = {{url|http://www.icmr.gov.in/}}
| website            = {{official URL}}
}}
}}
The '''Indian Council of Medical Research''' ('''ICMR'''), the apex body in [[India]] for the formulation, coordination and promotion of [[biomedical research]], is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world. The ICMR is funded by the [[Government of India]] through the Department of Health Research, [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/health/medicine-and-research/article2071344.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first1=Aarti | last1=Dhar | first2=Sandeep | last2=Joshi | title=No need to panic over WHO report on mobiles: ICMR | date=2 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu2011">{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article2622214.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Pushpa M | last=Bhargava | title=Could they buy salt and spices, fuel and milk, and pay rent... with Rs. 2.33 a day? | date=12 November 2011}}</ref> In 2007 the organization established the [[Clinical Trials Registry - India]], which is India's national registry for clinical trials.<ref name="Rao 2018">{{cite journal |last1=Rao |first1=M. Vishnu Vardhana |last2=Maulik |first2=Mohua |last3=Gupta |first3=Jyotsna |last4=Panchal |first4=Yashmin |last5=Juneja |first5=Atul |last6=Adhikari |first6=Tulsi |last7=Pandey |first7=Arvind |title=Clinical Trials Registry – India: An overview and new developments |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmacology |date=1 July 2018 |volume=50 |issue=4 |pages=208 |doi=10.4103/ijp.IJP_153_18 |pmid=30505058 |language=en |issn=0253-7613|pmc=6234713 }}</ref>
The '''Indian Council of Medical Research''' ('''ICMR'''), the apex body in [[India]] for the formulation, coordination and promotion of [[biomedical research]], is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian council of medical research unveils new logo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-council-of-medical-research-unveils-new-logo/articleshow/66640208.cms |work=The Times of India |date=15 November 2018}}</ref>


ICMR's 26 national institutes address themselves to research on specific health topics like [[tuberculosis]], [[leprosy]], [[cholera]] and diarrhoeal [[diseases]], viral diseases including [[AIDS]], [[malaria]], [[kala-azar]], vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immuno-haematology, oncology, medical statistics, etc. Its 6 regional medical research centres address themselves to regional health problems, and also aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country.<ref name="The Hindu2011"/>
The ICMR is funded by the [[Government of India]] through the Department of Health Research, [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/health/medicine-and-research/article2071344.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first1=Aarti | last1=Dhar | first2=Sandeep | last2=Joshi | title=No need to panic over WHO report on mobiles: ICMR | date=2 June 2011 | access-date=13 May 2012 | archive-date=30 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630000848/http://www.thehindu.com/health/medicine-and-research/article2071344.ece | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Hindu2011">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article2622214.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Pushpa M | last=Bhargava | title=Could they buy salt and spices, fuel and milk, and pay rent... with Rs. 2.33 a day? | date=12 November 2011 | access-date=13 May 2012 | archive-date=25 April 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425122354/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article2622214.ece | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, the organization established the [[Clinical Trials Registry - India]], which is India's national registry for clinical trials.<ref name="Rao 2018">{{cite journal |last1=Rao |first1=M. Vishnu Vardhana |last2=Maulik |first2=Mohua |last3=Gupta |first3=Jyotsna |last4=Panchal |first4=Yashmin |last5=Juneja |first5=Atul |last6=Adhikari |first6=Tulsi |last7=Pandey |first7=Arvind |title=Clinical Trials Registry – India: An overview and new developments |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmacology |date=1 July 2018 |volume=50 |issue=4 |pages=208–211 |doi=10.4103/ijp.IJP_153_18 |pmid=30505058 |language=en |issn=0253-7613|pmc=6234713 |doi-access=free }}</ref>


The council's research priorities coincide with National health priorities such as control and management of [[communicable diseases]], [[fertility]] control, [[maternal]] and [[child]] health, control of [[nutrition]]al disorders, developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, containment within safety limits of environmental and [[occupational health]] problems; research on major [[non-communicable disease]]s like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and haematological disorders; mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies). These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population.<ref name="The Hindu2011"/>
ICMR's 26 national institutes conduct research on specific health topics like [[tuberculosis]], [[leprosy]], [[cholera]] and diarrhoeal [[diseases]], viral diseases including [[AIDS]], [[malaria]], [[kala-azar]], vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immuno-haematology, oncology, medical statistics, etc. Its 6 regional medical research centres focus on regional health problems, and also aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country.<ref name="The Hindu2011"/>
 
The council's research priorities coincide with national health priorities such as control and management of [[communicable diseases]], [[fertility]] control, [[maternal]] and [[child]] health, control of [[nutrition]]al disorders, developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, containment within safety limits of environmental and [[occupational health]] problems; research on major [[non-communicable disease]]s like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and haematological disorders; mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies). These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population.<ref name="The Hindu2011"/>


==History==
==History==
In 1911, the [[Government of India]] set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. After independence, several important changes were made in the organisation and the activities of the IRFA. It was redesignated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1949, considerably expanded scope of functions.<ref name=Icmr >{{cite web|url=https://www.niih.org.in/history.php|title=Indian Council of Medical Research|website=Niih.org|access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
In 1911, the [[Government of India]] set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. After independence, several important changes were made in the organisation and the activities of IRFA. It was redesignated as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1949, with a considerably expanded scope of functions.<ref name=Icmr >{{cite web|url=https://www.niih.org.in/history.php|title=Indian Council of Medical Research|website=Niih.org|access-date=2020-09-04|archive-date=2 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902190812/https://www.niih.org.in/history.php|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Governing body ==
== Governing body ==
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== Activities ==
== Activities ==
Extramural research is promoted by ICMR by establishing Centres for Advanced Research in different research areas around existing expertise and infrastructure in selected departments of Medical Colleges, Universities and other non-ICMR Research Institutes.  The ICMR also funds task force studies which emphasise a time-bound, goal-oriented approach with clearly defined targets, specific time frames, standardised and uniform methodologies, and often a multicentric structure. Open-ended research is conducted on the basis of applications for grants-in-aid received from scientists in non-ICMR Research Institutes, Medical colleges and Universities located in different parts of the country. Collaborative research projects with other institutes such as that between Institute of Pathology, Delhi and NCRM are also undertaken.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120359651100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071205164000/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120359651100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 5 December 2007 | title = ICMR has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine - The Hindu News article | location=Chennai, India | work = [[The Hindu]] | date=3 December 2007}}</ref>
Extramural research is promoted by ICMR by establishing Centres for Advanced Research in different research areas around existing expertise and infrastructure in selected departments of medical colleges, universities and other non-ICMR research institutes.  The ICMR also funds task force studies which emphasise a time-bound, goal-oriented approach with clearly defined targets, specific time frames, standardised and uniform methodologies, and often a multicentric structure. Open-ended research is conducted on the basis of applications for grants-in-aid received from scientists in non-ICMR Research Institutes, Medical colleges and Universities located in different parts of the country. Collaborative research projects with other institutes such as that between Institute of Pathology, Delhi and NCRM are also undertaken.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120359651100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071205164000/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120359651100.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 5 December 2007 | title = ICMR has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine - The Hindu News article | location=Chennai, India | work = [[The Hindu]] | date=3 December 2007}}</ref>
 
ICMR's [[Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories ]] (VRDL) for diagnosis of the viral and other infectious diseases is gradually evolving and is proposed to be the largest network of laboratories for timely identification of viruses and other agents causing morbidity significant at public health level and specific agents causing epidemics and/or potential agents for bioterrorism and undertake research for identification of emerging and newer genetically active/ modified agents. In addition to research activities,  ICMR also provides international fellowship programme for research and training and exposure of Indian biomedical scientists in various countries as well as offering opportunities to scientists from developing countries to come and work in Indian institutes/laboratories. It is also the secretariat for Health Ministry's Screening Committee (HMSC) meeting organised monthly for consideration of international collaborative research projects. It also encourages human resource development in biomedical research through Research Fellowships, Short-Term Visiting Fellowships, Short-Term Research Studentships, and various training programmes and workshops conducted by ICMR institutes and headquarters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niced.org.in/niced/VRDL-ICMR-NICED.htm|title=Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories|website=niced.org|access-date=2020-09-04|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722014356/http://www.niced.org.in/niced/VRDL-ICMR-NICED.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
For retired medical scientists and teachers, the council offers the position of emeritus scientist to enable them to continue or take up research on specific biomedical topics. The council also awards prizes to Indian scientists, in recognition of significant contributions to biomedical research as well as those who work in the underdeveloped parts of the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=51 Scientists presented with ICMR Awards for years 2009 and 2010|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/51-scientists-presented-with-icmr-awards-for-years-2009-and-2010/|access-date=25 September 2013|archive-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926081709/http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/51-scientists-presented-with-icmr-awards-for-years-2009-and-2010/|url-status=live}}</ref>  At present, the council offers 38 awards, of which 11 are meant exclusively for young scientists (below 40 years).
ICMR has supported research into bacteriophage therapy as a promising alternative to antibiotics for managing drug-resistant bacterial infections. Its activities include the isolation, characterization, and formulation of therapeutic phages, evaluation of their efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens, and investigation of phage–antibiotic synergy. ICMR has also provided funding to leading research institutes such as the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to advance preclinical and clinical studies on phage therapy.(ref. https://www.the-microbiologist.com/features/antimicrobial-resistance-and-phage-therapy-in-india/1386.article)


ICMR's [[Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories ]] (VRDL) for diagnosis of the viral and other infectious diseases is gradually evolving and is proposed to be the largest network of laboratories for timely identification of viruses and other agents causing morbidity significant at public health level and specific agents causing epidemics and/or potential agents for bioterrorism and undertake research for identification of emerging and newer genetically active/ modified agents. In addition to research activities,  ICMR also provides international fellowship programme for research and training and exposure of Indian biomedical scientists in various countries as well as offering opportunities to scientists from developing countries to come and work in Indian institutes/laboratories. It is also the secretariat for Health Ministry's Screening Committee (HMSC) meeting organised monthly for consideration of international collaborative research projects. It also encourages human resource development in biomedical research through Research Fellowships, Short-Term Visiting Fellowships, Short-Term Research Studentships, and various training programmes and workshops conducted by ICMR institutes and headquarters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niced.org.in/niced/VRDL-ICMR-NICED.htm|title=Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories|website=niced.org|access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>


For retired medical scientists and teachers, the council offers the position of emeritus scientist to enable them to continue or take up research on specific biomedical topics. The council also awards prizes to Indian scientists, in recognition of significant contributions to biomedical research as well as those who work in the underdeveloped parts of the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=51 Scientists presented with ICMR Awards for years 2009 and 2010|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/51-scientists-presented-with-icmr-awards-for-years-2009-and-2010/|access-date=25 September 2013}}</ref>  At present, the council offers 38 awards, of which 11 are meant exclusively for young scientists (below 40 years).


The ''[[Indian Journal of Medical Research]]'' is published under the auspices of the council.
The ''[[Indian Journal of Medical Research]]'' is published under the auspices of the council.
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{{colbegin}}
{{colbegin}}
* [[National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad|National Institute of Nutrition]] (NIN), [[Hyderabad]]
* [[National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad|National Institute of Nutrition]] (NIN), [[Hyderabad]]
* [[National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research]], (NARF-BR) [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]
* [[National Animal Resource Facility for Biomedical Research]] (NARF-BR), [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]
* [[National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis]] (NIRT), [[Chennai]]
* [[National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis]] (NIRT), [[Chennai]]
* [[National Institute of Epidemiology]] (NIE), [[Chennai]]
* [[National Institute of Epidemiology]], [[Chennai]]
* National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), [[Noida]]
* National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), [[Noida]]
* [[National Institute of Malaria Research]] (NIMR), [[Delhi]]
* [[National Institute of Malaria Research]] (NIMR), [[Delhi]]
Line 62: Line 65:
* [[National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health]] (NIRRH), [[Mumbai]]
* [[National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health]] (NIRRH), [[Mumbai]]
* [[National Institute of Virology]] (NIV), [[Pune]]
* [[National Institute of Virology]] (NIV), [[Pune]]
* National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM), [[Belgaum]]
* National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM), [[Belagavi]]
* Microbial Containment Complex (MCC), [[Pune]]
* Microbial Containment Complex (MCC), [[Pune]]
* [[National AIDS Research Institute]] (NARI), [[Pune]]
* [[National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research]] (NITVAR), [[Pune]]
* National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), [[Ahmedabad]]
* National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), [[Ahmedabad]]
* National Institute of Pathology (NIP), [[Delhi]]
* National Institute of Child Health & Development Research (NICH&DR), [[Delhi]]
* National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS), [[Delhi]]
* National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science (NIRDH&DS), [[Delhi]]
* Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), [[Pondicherry (city)|Puducherry]]
* Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), [[Pondicherry (city)|Puducherry]]
* [[National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases]]  (NICED), [[Kolkata]]
* [[National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections]]  (NIRBI), [[Kolkata]]
* ICMR Virus Unit (IVU), [[Kolkata]]
* Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM), [[Kolkata]]
* National Institute for Research in Tribal Health  (NIRTH), [[Jabalpur]]
* National Institute for Research in Tribal Health  (NIRTH), [[Jabalpur]]
* National Center for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), [[Bengaluru]]
* National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), [[Bengaluru]]
* Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), [[Bhopal]]
* Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC), [[Bhopal]]
* National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (NIREH), [[Bhopal]]
* National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (NIREH), [[Bhopal]]
* National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD), [[Agra]]
* National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD), [[Agra]]
Line 80: Line 85:
* Genetic Research Centre (GRC), [[Mumbai]]
* Genetic Research Centre (GRC), [[Mumbai]]
* [[National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases]] (NIIRNCD), [[Jodhpur]]
* [[National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases]] (NIIRNCD), [[Jodhpur]]
* Regional Medical Research Center (RMRC), [[Port Blair]]
* Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), [[Port Blair]]
* Regional Medical Research Center (RMRC), [[Bhubaneswar]]
* Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), [[Gorakhpur]]
* [[Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh|Regional Medical Research Centre]], [[Dibrugarh]]
* [[Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar|Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar]]
* ICMR Virus Unit (IVU), [[Kolkata]]
* [[Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh|Regional Medical Research Centre]], [[Dibrugarh]], [[Assam]]
* Institute of Reproductive Medicine (IRM), [[Kolkata]]
 
{{colend}}
{{colend}}


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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://icmr.gov.in/ Indian Council of Medical Research, Official website]
* [http://icmr.gov.in/ Indian Council of Medical Research, Official website]
* [http://www.surrogacyindia.com/ SurrogacyIndia]
{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
*[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1622766 COVID kavach ELISA]
*[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1622766 COVID kavach ELISA]


[[Category:Indian Council of Medical Research| ]]
[[Category:Indian Council of Medical Research]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1911 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1949 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Medical research in India]]
[[Category:Medical research in India]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Delhi]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Delhi]]
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[[Category:Executive branch of the government of India]]
[[Category:Executive branch of the government of India]]
[[Category:Research institutes in Delhi]]
[[Category:Research institutes in Delhi]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1948]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1911]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1949]]

Latest revision as of 03:00, 2 February 2026


"ICMR" redirects here. For Indigenous communal moral rights, see Copyright law of Australia § Indigenous moral rights.

Indian Council of Medical Research
AbbreviationICMR
PredecessorIndian Research Fund Association (IRFA)
Formation1911; 115 years ago (1911) (as IRFA)
TypeGovernment Organisation
Legal statusActive
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Location
Key people
Rajiv Bahl,
Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research
(Secretary, GoI – Department of Health Research)
Parent organization
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
Budget
₹3,900.69 crore (US$550 million) (2025–26)[1]
Website{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.[2]

The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.[3][4] In 2007, the organization established the Clinical Trials Registry - India, which is India's national registry for clinical trials.[5]

ICMR's 26 national institutes conduct research on specific health topics like tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera and diarrhoeal diseases, viral diseases including AIDS, malaria, kala-azar, vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immuno-haematology, oncology, medical statistics, etc. Its 6 regional medical research centres focus on regional health problems, and also aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country.[4]

The council's research priorities coincide with national health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, containment within safety limits of environmental and occupational health problems; research on major non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and other metabolic and haematological disorders; mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies). These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population.[4]

History[edit | edit source]

In 1911, the Government of India set up the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) with the specific objective of sponsoring and coordinating medical research in the country. After independence, several important changes were made in the organisation and the activities of IRFA. It was redesignated as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1949, with a considerably expanded scope of functions.[6]

Governing body[edit | edit source]

The governing body of the council is presided over by the Union Health Minister. It is assisted in scientific and technical matters by a scientific advisory board comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines. The board, in its turn, is assisted by a series of scientific advisory groups, scientific advisory committees, expert groups, task forces, steering committees etc. which evaluate and monitor different research activities of the council.[6]

The council promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Over the decades, the base of extramural research and also its strategies have been expanded by the council.[6]

Intramural research is carried out currently through the council's 30 permanent research institutes/centres which are mission-oriented national institutes located in different parts of India. The institutes pursue specific areas of research such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera and diarrhoeal diseases, viral diseases including Rotavirus, dengue, COVID-19, Ebolavirus, Influenza, Japanese encephalitis, AIDS, malaria, kala-azar, vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immunohaematology, oncology, and medical statistics. Six Regional Medical Research Centres address regional health problems, and also aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country. It has also been involved in research related to rare diseases like Handigodu syndrome.[citation needed]

Activities[edit | edit source]

Extramural research is promoted by ICMR by establishing Centres for Advanced Research in different research areas around existing expertise and infrastructure in selected departments of medical colleges, universities and other non-ICMR research institutes. The ICMR also funds task force studies which emphasise a time-bound, goal-oriented approach with clearly defined targets, specific time frames, standardised and uniform methodologies, and often a multicentric structure. Open-ended research is conducted on the basis of applications for grants-in-aid received from scientists in non-ICMR Research Institutes, Medical colleges and Universities located in different parts of the country. Collaborative research projects with other institutes such as that between Institute of Pathology, Delhi and NCRM are also undertaken.[7]

ICMR's Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) for diagnosis of the viral and other infectious diseases is gradually evolving and is proposed to be the largest network of laboratories for timely identification of viruses and other agents causing morbidity significant at public health level and specific agents causing epidemics and/or potential agents for bioterrorism and undertake research for identification of emerging and newer genetically active/ modified agents. In addition to research activities, ICMR also provides international fellowship programme for research and training and exposure of Indian biomedical scientists in various countries as well as offering opportunities to scientists from developing countries to come and work in Indian institutes/laboratories. It is also the secretariat for Health Ministry's Screening Committee (HMSC) meeting organised monthly for consideration of international collaborative research projects. It also encourages human resource development in biomedical research through Research Fellowships, Short-Term Visiting Fellowships, Short-Term Research Studentships, and various training programmes and workshops conducted by ICMR institutes and headquarters.[8]

For retired medical scientists and teachers, the council offers the position of emeritus scientist to enable them to continue or take up research on specific biomedical topics. The council also awards prizes to Indian scientists, in recognition of significant contributions to biomedical research as well as those who work in the underdeveloped parts of the country.[9] At present, the council offers 38 awards, of which 11 are meant exclusively for young scientists (below 40 years). ICMR has supported research into bacteriophage therapy as a promising alternative to antibiotics for managing drug-resistant bacterial infections. Its activities include the isolation, characterization, and formulation of therapeutic phages, evaluation of their efficacy against multidrug-resistant pathogens, and investigation of phage–antibiotic synergy. ICMR has also provided funding to leading research institutes such as the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to advance preclinical and clinical studies on phage therapy.(ref. https://www.the-microbiologist.com/features/antimicrobial-resistance-and-phage-therapy-in-india/1386.article)


The Indian Journal of Medical Research is published under the auspices of the council.

List of ICMR research facilities in India[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "DEMAND NO. 47, Demands for Grants, 2025-2026, MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE" (PDF). IndiaBudget.gov.in. New Delhi. 1 February 2025. p. 5. Retrieved 1 February 2025.
  2. ↑ "Indian council of medical research unveils new logo". The Times of India. 15 November 2018.
  3. ↑ Dhar, Aarti; Joshi, Sandeep (2 June 2011). "No need to panic over WHO report on mobiles: ICMR". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bhargava, Pushpa M (12 November 2011). "Could they buy salt and spices, fuel and milk, and pay rent... with Rs. 2.33 a day?". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  5. ↑ Rao, M. Vishnu Vardhana; Maulik, Mohua; Gupta, Jyotsna; Panchal, Yashmin; Juneja, Atul; Adhikari, Tulsi; Pandey, Arvind (1 July 2018). "Clinical Trials Registry – India: An overview and new developments". Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 50 (4): 208–211. doi:10.4103/ijp.IJP_153_18. ISSN 0253-7613. PMC 6234713. PMID 30505058.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Indian Council of Medical Research". Niih.org. Archived from the original on 2 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  7. ↑ "ICMR has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine - The Hindu News article". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 3 December 2007. Archived from the original on 5 December 2007.
  8. ↑ "Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories". niced.org. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  9. ↑ "51 Scientists presented with ICMR Awards for years 2009 and 2010". Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2013.

External links[edit | edit source]

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